interviews

gilli talks to Monique Lisa in her first days as an international jett-setter...

gilli moon is proving that saying in a big way. She creating a storm in LA, getting rave reviews to boot. Now on home turf, does she go on a spree of self promotional gigs? No. She establishes an organisation for songwriters in hope to offer new writers the support that she never received.

- by Monique Lisa

gilli talks to Monique Lisa in her first days as an international jett-setter...

You just can't hold a good woman down. gilli moon is proving that saying in a big way. She creating a storm in LA, getting rave reviews to boot. Now on home turf, does she go on a spree of self promotional gigs? No. She establishes an organisation for songwriters in hope to offer new writers the support that she never received.

Before heading OS, Ms Moon performed her songs as a soloist. She was also known for her vocal talent in the World Music band, Shamballa. She co-founded The Music Writers Forum in 94, always feeling the need to support the song writing community.

If you wondered what ever happened to this mover and shaker, she packed her bags and followed her dreams.. " It was May 96. I went to LA on a hunch, regardless of warnings from my friends." Explained Gilli "From the day I arrived, I was out all the time, meeting everybody" Stumbling across the National Academy Of Songwriters" (NAS), she volunteered her time and in return, they showcased the five foot Australian.

Countless American movies, shows the saddened image of fresh young stars arriving in Hollywood to no avail. Seems this picture is far from the truth. "Being Australian got me in the door. Besides, they don't care about what you've done in Australia." Moon explains. This is a reassuring fact for young bands looking at a larger horizon. It appears, apart from talent, you need confidence and ambition. "In a few months, I made more 'in roads' there, than I did in Australia after years. It was a lot easier than I thought" states Gilli.

The producers of L.A's Drama Music, are currently working on Gilli's material. Needless to say, she'll be returning to the States for that. Being the workaholic she is, Gilli's thrown her self into establishing a song writing organisation.

Songsalive is a volunteer organisation, dedicated to the nurturing, support, promotion and exposure of Australian Songwriters. Apart from many other services, Songsalive has a regular forum, held in the APRA offices, which allows songwriters to receive feedback on their material and learn about the industry in general.

Two supportive key figures, Phil Tripp and Neil Wilson (Shock Publishing/Hello Mr Wilson), have attended these forums. Phil Tripp comments, "Gilli Moon has taken the initiative and has the ambition to set this up. The industry should take it seriously. It's a great idea and deserves industry support". Being one of the more active publishers seeking new talent, Neil Wilson's made the effort to attend a workshop and commented, "Anything that encourages Songwriters to perceiver with their ability, is a good thing. I'll continue to support things like Songsalive and urge others in the industry to do so".

This relatively new songwriters forum has will be having it's launch at The Hard Rock Cafe in September. Many members will be showcased alongside the cream Australian songwriters.